Symptoms of Adult ADHD
Are you chronically late to work, social events and meetings? Are you easily distracted or do not complete tasks at home? If you answered yes, you could be suffering from undiagnosed ADHD.
There are two types of ADHD: inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive. If you have hyperactive/impulsive ADHD your symptoms are centered on being disorganized and forgetful.
1. Disorganization
Someone with ADD might struggle to keep school and work materials in order and on track, finish tasks or meet deadlines. They may also be unable to locate or find items necessary to carry out daily activities like books, tools or wallets. If a patient has a history of issues with these symptoms, their doctor can evaluate their condition for ADD. The clinician might request detailed details from the patient as well as other family members in order to identify the cause.
2. Hyperactivity
In many cases, those who suffer from ADD struggle to sit, paying attention in school or work and focusing on their schedule and appointments. Often, they forget things or misplace their wallets, keys or eyeglasses, papers, or mobile phones. Their workspaces and homes can be messy or unorganized, and they are unable to complete tasks requiring sustained mental effort. They also have a poor memory and are easily distracted. These are the symptoms of what used to be called ADD or Predominantly inattentive Type ADHD.
Children with hyperactive ADHD appear to be constantly moving, as if "driven by motors." They are unable to sit still, especially in classrooms that are centered on neurotypical expectations. They are often prone to running around or climb over things, even if it's not appropriate. They scream out answers before questions are finished, have trouble waiting for their turn, and are often disruptive or intrude on others. These symptoms may lessen in adolescence or adulthood, but they will still be present.
Adults may have a tougher to recognize ADD symptoms, as they are less evident than children. However, family physicians are uniquely equipped to detect ADD in adults and initiate and monitor treatment, as well as refer their patients for mental health services if they are required. In many cases family physicians are the first to spot a patient's difficulty focusing on their schoolwork, or during business meetings, or their inability to organize. By using routine interviewing techniques and obtaining specific information from the patient and their families Family physicians can confirm the ADD diagnosis and formulate a comprehensive management plan. Here are some of the typical symptoms of adult ADD.
3. Attention!
Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms manifest as difficulties in concentration and focus which can lead to problems at school or at work. They might manifest as piles of unfinished assignments or work assignments, messy homes and disorganized desks, or failing to answer phone calls or pay bills on time. People with inattentive ADHD can also lose things essential to their daily lives such as keys and wallets. They may find it difficult to listen to others and frequently miss the point of conversations, or they can easily become bored with meetings and presentations. They may lose themselves in watching, thinking about their hobbies or replaying social media content in their heads.
Unlike hyperactive-impulsive ADHD, the inattentive type of ADD is more common in adults. Many family physicians do not recognize ADHD in their patients, either because they don't know about the disorder in adults, or because the presence of comorbid disorders obscures the presence of ADHD. However, a trained doctor can diagnose the condition by asking specific questions regarding symptoms and the history.
Inattentive ADHD is diagnosed when a person has five or more persistent symptoms, including inattentive ones, that interfere or reduce the ability of a person to function in social, school or work settings. inattentive adhd symptoms must have been present at least for six months and are not appropriate to the patient's development level.
Medication is the most effective treatment for ADHD, along with treatment for behavioural issues. There are a myriad of medications to choose from and it's crucial to select the appropriate one. It's a good idea to begin with one medication and closely examine its effectiveness, since symptoms can change as time passes. It's also crucial to consult your doctor at least annually. Sometimes an adjustment to your dose will be required to keep your medications working at their best.
4. Impulsivity
A key symptom of ADHD is an impulsive nature, which means that people with the condition often act without thinking first. They may utter answers before the question has been asked, interrupt others or engage in reckless behavior that can have grave consequences. Impulsive behavior can also cause problems with interpersonal relationships and may exacerbate symptoms of other psychiatric disorders, like anxiety disorders or mood swings. Research suggests that impulsive behavior in people with ADHD stem from reduced activity in the prefrontal cortex, which plays a crucial function in the process of making decisions and control of impulses. It may also be linked to atypical dopamine regulation, which affects reward processing and impulsivity.
Impulsiveness can lead to financial issues. The rush of dopamine that results from buying something new may override the practicality, cost or logic of the purchase. This can also impact self-care, with impulsive decisions leading to unhealthy eating habits or poor lifestyle choices. This pattern can be hard to break however there are methods to lessen it. One thing is to make a list of instances in which you are likely to act recklessly. If you're tempted to do something or say something impulsively put your lips on the table for a few moments and pretend to lock yourself inside. This will allow you to consider whether it is a good decision.
Another method to reduce impulsivity is to learn breathing techniques that can help you feel more grounded and centered. Some studies have shown that it may help to regulate the autonomic nervous system and decrease negative emotions that can cause an impulsive behaviour. Making lists of things to be done can also be helpful. Making a plan for the times and situations where you may be impulsive can help you take action to curb the risk of this behavior, like carrying fidget toys along to meetings or keeping reminders in your wallet that count to 10 before you respond.
5. Fidgeting
Fidgeting involves repetitive movements that calm the nervous system and to improve focus. It often accompanies ADHD symptoms such as hyperactivity or inattention. People with ADD tend to fidget in order to stay focused during an activity or lecture but it could also interfere with social interactions and lead to other health problems.
While most people view fidgeting as a negative symptom that must be stopped, experts have discovered that it can be harnessed to assist in improving focus. This type of fidgeting is known as intrinsic fidgeting and it consists of movements that are made using your own body instead of an object. Examples include tapping your feet or pressing the pencil.
In a study, students who fidget during class found that their attention span and concentration increased after they began using stress balls in lessons and self-work exercises. They discovered that manipulating the balls helped them concentrate and allowed them to interact with teachers and classmates without disrupting other students.
Fidgeting shouldn't be seen as a sign that a child suffers from mental illness. It's a normal part of life every day and shouldn't be a cause for concern. However, if your child's fidgeting behavior is disruptive to their classroom or at home, you should consult with their physician to determine if they have an underlying condition that could be treated, like restless leg syndrome (RLS).
There are many ways to improve your concentration and decrease ADHD symptoms in addition to taking medication. For example, you can make use of a timer that breaks down lengthy tasks into smaller manageable chunks or set aside an area for work when you are distracted by things in the vicinity. You can also apply mindfulness techniques to relax your mind and increase your focus, or learn an activity that can keep your hand active. Knitting, for instance, can help you improve your focus and experience the feeling of satisfaction that comes from creating the perfect cap or blanket.